15 Tips & Tricks for the 1st Time Cruiser

Cruising is often celebrated for its simplicity and ease, and for good reason.

Picture this: you unpack just once while effortlessly sailing from one stunning destination to the next. Dining options are conveniently located just steps from your cabin, and entertainment is abundant. Sounds ideal, right? Yet, even with this ease, first-time cruisers may find themselves feeling overwhelmed. Questions often arise about what to pack, how to plan excursions at each port, and the best ways to book your trip.

That’s precisely why we've compiled a list of invaluable tips to ensure your inaugural sailing experience is as smooth as possible. This guide is derived from my own 20-plus years of cruising & travel. Enjoy!

Arrive a Day Early at Your Departure Port

If you take away just one piece of advice from this article, let it be this: arriving a day early is a crucial step. This single action can save you from the anxiety of missing your ship—a common occurrence that surprises many. Cruises often depart in the afternoon, leading some to believe that arriving on the morning of departure is sufficient. However, a flight delay or traffic issue can quickly turn your plans upside down, and once the ship is gone, it’s gone. If you're traveling internationally, consider arriving two or three days before your cruise. Not only will this ensure you don’t miss your ship, but it also allows time to adjust to any time zone changes and recover from jet lag. This is especially important for busy European itineraries where a refreshed traveler is far better equipped for full days of exploration.

Pack Your Bathing Suit in Your Carry-On

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Upon arrival, you're likely to be greeted by porters who will take your luggage, delivering it to your cabin later. While this is a fantastic convenience, it leaves you without immediate access to your belongings. To prevent any inconvenience on your first day, make sure to pack essentials like medications, a phone charger, a bathing suit, a hat, and sunscreen in your carry-on. This way, you’ll be ready to dive straight into relaxation at the pool.

Don’t Overpack

When preparing for your cruise, consider a smart strategy: gather all the clothes you think you'll need, then remove half. Trust me, you won’t require as many outfits as you anticipate. Most cruises lean toward casual attire, and a few versatile outfits will suffice. Should you need clean clothes, many ships offer self-service laundry facilities. If that’s not available, onboard laundry services can handle it quickly. 

Pack Extra Toiletries

While you can find essentials like sunscreen, aspirin, and Band-Aids on board, the ship’s prices can be quite steep. My advice? Create a small “go bag” filled with over-the-counter medicines. From cold remedies to seasickness pills, having these on hand saves you from unexpected charges. 

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 Another great tip from being a seasoned cruisers is to bring along magnets. These can be used to attach dinner invitations, excursion tickets, and other important documents to the cabin walls. Since many cruise ship walls are made of metal—disguised with faux wood veneers—magnets are quite effective. Some travelers even opt for magnets with hooks, perfect for hanging clothes and other essentials.

Avoid the Buffet on Embarkation Day

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One crucial piece of advice is to skip the buffet when you first board the ship. Embarkation day sees a massive influx of passengers heading straight to the buffet, making it incredibly crowded. Instead, try to locate a secondary dining option that might be open for lunch; many ships will open table-service restaurants on this day, which are often much less congested.

Do Your Homework on Ports

Unlike some vacations where little planning is necessary, such as relaxing beach trips, cruises require more preparation—especially if you want to make the most of your port calls, which tend to be brief. A well-thought-out plan for what to do in each port is essential; failing to do so could mean missing out on significant experiences. 

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Consider Private Tours

While booking shore excursions through the cruise line is convenient, it isn't the only option—and often not the most cost-effective one. These tours tend to feel more intimate, accommodating smaller groups rather than large coaches, and may take you to unique sites that the cruise-organized excursions do not cover. Additionally, reputable services often provide guarantees that ensure you will return to the ship on time.

Pre-register for Activities

If you're keen to attend specific shows, tours, or dine at specialty restaurants during your cruise, it’s wise to sign up in advance when possible. Many cruise lines offer online portals where you can secure reservations prior to sailing. Some ships fill up their activities quickly, so registering early ensures you won’t miss out. If you didn’t get to sign up ahead of time, make it a point to do so as soon as you board.

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Don't Feel the Pressure to Do Everything

When signing up for activities, remember it's perfectly fine to skip a few. You’re on vacation, so allow yourself to take some time to relax. Whether it’s lounging on your balcony gazing at the ocean or simply enjoying a quiet moment, take a break. You won’t regret it!

Carry the Ship’s Contact Info Whenever You Go Ashore

Make sure to bring the ship's contact details with you. This information is typically included in the nightly newsletter delivered to your cabin. If you encounter any issues while off the ship, you’ll want to reach the cruise line immediately.

Keep Your Phone on Airplane Mode

One common vacation nightmare is accruing huge phone bills while cruising. This often occurs when travelers forget to enable airplane mode and use their phones for streaming or browsing. Most cell plans, even international ones, don’t cover calls, texts, or data while on a cruise, leading to hefty roaming fees that will surprise you on your bill later. To avoid unexpected charges, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi package that allows calls and internet access without racking up costs on your phone plan. Personally, I find it easiest to switch my phone to airplane mode as soon as I board, then turn on Wi-Fi to use that for all my communication and browsing.

Download the Cruise App

Many cruise lines now offer apps that you can download before your trip. These apps can provide daily schedules of activities, restaurant reservations, and excursion bookings. Some even allow you to order drinks delivered right to your location on the ship. The best part? These apps usually function without needing a Wi-Fi package.

Consider Travel Insurance Travel

Travel can be unpredictable, and cruising is no exception. You may need to cancel your cruise due to unexpected illness, medical emergencies onboard, or travel delays that prevent you from boarding. Travel insurance can help protect you from these situations. Be sure to research different providers and look into "cancel for any reason" options.

Avoid Cabins Near Elevators

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When selecting your cabin, you might want to steer clear of those close to elevators or just above nightlife areas. These locations can be quite noisy. Additionally, cabins located directly below the pool deck or near the anchor or casino can also pose challenges in terms of noise. 

Be Cautious with Gratuities

Most cruise lines automatically include a gratuity, typically between 18% to 20%, in your bar and spa bills. First-time cruisers might unknowingly tip twice, so be aware of this practice to avoid over-tipping.

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We hope you enjoyed this article and congratulations you have graduated from Cruising 101!